Thesis (Msc Food Sc (Food Science))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / The physical and mental development of underprivileged children, living in
developing countries, is detrimentally affected by the exposure to poverty,
malnutrition and poor health. The aim of the present study was to determine
the possible risk of nutritional deficiencies of children (aged 5 – 6 years) in a
low socio-economic community in the Grabouw area of the Western Cape,
South Africa. The nutritional status of the children was evaluated by using
anthropometric measurements (weight and height). Furthermore, the dietary
intake provided by the meals offered at the schools they attended (Agapé 1
and Agapé 2), was assessed using the school menus. The latter were
analysed using the FoodFinder3® computer programme (Medical Research
Council of SA, Tygerberg, South Africa). Three supplementary food products
(biscuit, health bar and soy milk-based drink) were subsequently developed to
address possible nutritional deficiencies. The microbial stability of the
products was determined, after which sensory acceptability of all three
products was determined using a consumer panel consisting of children (n =
51; M:F = 27:24; 5 – 6 years) from the mentioned schools within the low
socio-economic community.
Anthropometric results were in agreement with those found by the
National Food Consumption Survey (NFCS) (1999) and the South African
Vitamin A Consultative Group (SAVACG) (1995), with stunting found to be
most prevalent (16%). Only 5% of the children were found to be underweight
and none were found to be wasted.
The developed biscuit and health bar was found to be microbiologically
safe when stored for at least 30 d at 25° and 35°C respectively, and the soy
milk-based drink for 7 d if stored at refrigeration temperatures (5°C).
Concerning the sensory preference, no significant difference was found
between the preference for any of the developed products by the males and
the females. For the specific products the preference for the biscuit did not
differ significantly from the health bar, nor did the health bar differ significantly
from the soy milk-based drink, but the biscuit did differ significantly (p = 0.006)
from the soy milk-based drink for preference. The biscuit was found to be the
most preferred of the three products and the soy milk-based drink the least. The majority of the juvenile consumer panel (95%) found all three developed
food products acceptable and could, therefore, be considered possible
supplementary foods in a school nutrition programme.
The aim of nutritional supplementation is to supplement the existing
diet and in doing so ensuring a more ideal nutrient intake closer to what is
recommended by the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). It is proposed
that nutritional deficiencies should, however, not only be addressed by means
of nutritional supplementation, but should also be assisted by the nutrition
education of the parent/guardian so as help them to make informed nutritional
choices and in doing so providing their children with the nutrients necessary
for optimal mental and physical development.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/2026 |
| Date | 12 1900 |
| Creators | Lombard, Matthys du Toit |
| Contributors | Witthuhn, R. C., Dalton, A., Stellenbosch University. Faculty of AgriSciences. Dept. of Food Science. |
| Publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | Stellenbosch University |
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